NEW YORK – It was dark and cold in midtown Manhattan on the evening of February 11 – but the weather was not more bitter than the situation in crisis-ridden Greece. And it was not darker than the fears and anxieties of people on both sides of the Atlantic.

More people and organizations were expected by the people who were present at the pro-Greece demonstration at the offices of the UN Representative of the European Commission in New York City.

There were about 80 people carrying signs and banners and chanting slogans, half of whom seemed to be Greek-Americans.

Katerina Zisoulis, a literature professor who has roots in Chios told TNH “we are here to show solidarity for our fellow Greeks,” and said she was happy to see so many non-Greeks there.

Evangelos Stamatopoulos, an local art dealer, learned about the rally on radio and by calling The National Herald. “I am here to shout my support for the efforts of the Greek government.”

Christos Karastathis heard about it from his friend. “We are standing by the Greek government and we believe they will succeed,” said the architect who was born in Volos.

Among the non-Greeks was Mike Reeves, who works for Lyndon LaRuche. He was there with about two dozen followers of the controversial activist who feels strongly about the injustice and irrationality of the Greek situation.

“We are here is solidarity with the Greek people and the government’s fight against the fascist austerity policy…it is wall street and the financial derivatives that have caused the panic  in the financial establishment. They are the ones who are bankrupt, not Greece,” he told said.